Recognizing the ever-growing immigrant population, these researchers examined the immigrant paradox—where in despite controlling for socioeconomic indicators, the development of culturally assimilated children is less positive than that of new arrivals. Contrary to previous notions that a greater adoption of American culture proved to be most beneficial, recorded historical patterns show that newer generations of adolescents demonstrate higher optimal levels of behavioral development. In order to then better analyze such a phenomenon, studies need to take into account both variables that address why developmental outcomes decrease over multiple generations, but also why earlier generation immigrants succeed in the first place despite the odds.
